With the majority of the USMNT's stars stuck in Europe, this win was executed largely by Major League Soccer players, many of whom were playing for the USMNT for the first time.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized that the January camp cannot be categorized as an "alternative" team, serving instead as an opportunity for newcomers to fight for a spot in the organization's overall player pool.

On Saturday, the U.S. men’s national team will face Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The friendly is an opportunity for the United States to build positive momentum under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge of the US national soccer team since September and was recently asked about the possibility of calling up Lionel Messi's children

If Mauricio Pochettino wanted more US men’s national team squad options, he got them in Saturday’s 3-1 friendly win over Venezuela.

Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge of the United States national team since September and has recently joked about the prospect of calling up Lionel Messi's sons

Rarely do USMNT matches produce memorable moments during January camp, good or bad, but Saturday's USA-Venezuela game certainly delivered.

Mauricio Pochettino joked about plans to call up Lionel Messi's sons in the United States national football team - citing how it could be a tough task given their allegiance to Argentina

They could care less about the noise that’s generated across comment sections and online forums that diminish MLS as a pipeline for the national team. The reality, though, is quite simple: January camp is not a collection of the country’s best players.

New USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is looking for players who play with the same pride and passion as he sees in Argentina.

The U.S. men's national soccer team opens its 2025 campaign with a friendly match against Venezuela on Saturday. Follow here for live updates.